Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 136

Chapter 136

Carter’s face darkened. “Theo, be quiet.”

Theo flinched, shrinking instinctively behind Kelly.

She stepped in quickly, voice gentle, as if to shield him. “Carter, he’s just a child. Don’t be so harsh with him. Besides, you’ve always expected a lot from Theo, and he’s never disappointed you. He’s always at the top of his class. Isn’t it understandable he wants to be the best at everything?”

She glanced at Sharon, her tone soft but laced with meaning. “With a son as outstanding as Theo, Sharon should really work on improving herself, too. As parents, we shouldn’t be the ones holding our children back.”

Carter’s expression wavered slightly. The light in his eyes dimmed. He said nothing.

But Matty stepped forward, his voice clear. “Sharon would never hold anyone back! She’s amazing!”

Theo let out a scornful laugh. “She’s my mom. Don’t you think I’d know if she was amazing? Matty, if you’re smart, find someone else to perform with. Otherwise, when you get laughed at and end up crying, don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

firm in a way that was completely

like what you said! You’re the one who’ll cry! Grades aren’t the only way to measure how good someone is. If you can’t even respect your own mom, what’s the point of being smart at all? The ones who get laughed at aren’t the ones who

words hit hard. Theo took a

still a child. Was it really necessary to teach him to say things like that—just to attack your own son? If you’re

Really, it

at her own child. Then, she subtly suggested Matty was just a pawn— used and

perfect display of

at Sharon, eyes full of quiet disappointment. “Sharon, have you really fallen

child?”

head slightly. “Kelly, would you

threw Kelly off. “…What kind

you turn to Carter and say, ‘Carter,

Kelly froze.

No-everyone froze.